The search comes ahead of an exhibition of Nick Hedges’ photos in Sheffield next year, as part a series of activities and events in the region to mark the charity’s 50th anniversary.

Shelter would like to hear the stories of the people featured in the photographs, who will now be aged between 50 and 70, to give them the opportunity to tell their story and revisit the areas they once called home.

Nick said: “It would be wonderful to meet the children I photographed all those years ago. I often wonder what happened to them, if they went on to lead happy and healthy lives.

“When I was commissioned by Shelter to take these photographs, I never imagined that decades later they would still have such impact.

“The poverty and terrible conditions I witnessed shocked me to the core.

“I hope that all these years later, by reconnecting with some of those I photographed, I am able to hear good news of what happened to the families.”

Nick Hedges, now in his 70s, was commissioned by Shelter in 1968. He spent three years visiting some of England’s poorest and most deprived areas documenting the poor housing conditions he saw.

Shelter’s chief executive Campbell Robb said: “These photographs are a sobering piece of history not only for Shelter, but the nation as a whole, and it’s important to preserve the stories behind them.

“They show us how far we have come, but also that we must do more for the tens of thousands of families and individuals still desperate for a safe, secure and affordable home.”

If you recognise yourself, or someone else in the photos, please email stories@shelter.org.uk, call 020 7505 2032 or visit www.shelter.org.uk/shareyourstory. For a full gallery of images go to www.shelter.org.uk/shelter_50.